This weekend Trafford MV 2nd XV hit the road North and head to Rochdale. Hopefully there will have been a strong drying wind to take some of the moisture out of a traditionally heavy pitch.
TMV's selection starts with a strong front row combination of Connor Monaghan and Joe Cooper propping either side of Phil Simms - all with 1st XV experience under their belts.
In the second row locking the pack together are Adam Whitworth and Joe Hynes adding mobility and tenacity to the pack.
Youth is in the ascendency in the back row with Dan Clark and Andrew Beales offsetting the years contributed by Jason Alexander - a good combination of pace and guile.
The half back pairing is again a good combination of age and experience with Joe Best at scrum half prompting the play and Ollie Jones co-ordinating the game plan.
In the centres Ben Wainwright and Adam Mason link up to provide a strong running partnership.
Outside the centres we have plenty of pace and potential from youngsters Fenton Dickinson and Charlie Valentine - both products of the former Colts team that have graduated into senior rugby.
Leading the team from the back is skipper Connor Ryan at fullback providing substance to thwart any oncoming attacks.
Taking the bench as finishers are Joe McVeigh, Sam Wooley and Liam Crank.
The weather forecast is dry and bright with a strong wind influence for the players to contend with - great to have rugby back on the agenda for the 2nd XV from Trafford MV.
The team are unlikely to improve on their last outing which was a 99-14 victory over Aldwinians however the potential within the team is there to be seen. Currently 4th in the league TMV are just a single point behind 3rd placed Aspull - Rochdale 3rds are in 9th placing and a home win would be a great boost for them so TMV will definitely have a game on their hands.
Good Luck to all the players.
Have you booked on the Sunday Carvery this weekend - if not have you got yourself on next Fridays Quiz Night followed by the 6 Nations opening game - a humdinger France vs Ireland on Friday Feb 2nd 8.00pm kick off
